Roster Battles: Inside Linebackers
by Parks Smith on Aug 1, 2011 10:59 PM EDT
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We are a couple of days into camp now and getting ever closer to the preseason opener. There are a lot of great roster battles going on including wide receiver, running back, cornerback, offensive line, and increasingly interesting inside linebacker spot. At first it seemed like there would just be two horses vying for the spot, Robert Henson and Perry Riley, but there are some other potential names moving up the list. We will keep track of this battle over the next couple of weeks, but here is how we lay it down right now:
London Fletcher (10): London is the heart and soul of this team and obviously is not going anywhere. If only we could install London's heart in all the guys on this team.
Lorenzo Alexander (10): LoAx has a roster spot tied down, but it has still yet to be determined where he will play. All signs point to ILB, but things could change in the future. Versatility is beautiful though.
Perry Riley (8): The confusion with LoAx's positioning stems from Riley taking first team snaps next to Fletcher over the course of training camp. Maybe Riley is set to become the starter in his second year? Maybe the Skins will use a rotation?
H.B. Blades (6): The fact that Blades was resigned means a lot. He'll be entering his fifth season as a Skin and should have a leg up on the injured Henson.
Robert Henson (5): It seems like this guy cannot stay healthy, he's currently on the PUP and is forced to watch from the sidelines as Riley and others get the lions share of the reps.
Eric McBride (4): McBride was a stud at the University of Richmond and it was surprising that he wasn't drafted late in April. At 6'2, 228lbs some saw him as a OLB, but McBride will be competing at ILB. This past year he was the CAA Co-defensive Player of the Year. Last year he registered 126 tackles for the Spiders.
Kyle O'Donnell (3): This kid is a work-horse and greatly improved over his time as a Liberty Flame. He could challenge for a spot with McBride if Henson cannot get on the field and could be especially valuable on special teams. He was a workout warrior and a team captain at Liberty.
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Here's my list of 4..
Fletch, Riley, LoAx, & Blades.
That means everyone’s favorite Henson doesn’t make the 53.
@Callahan_9 on the twitter machine.
I agree with you on Henson and don't like him the least bit (twitter feed is painful)
Did I miss something or did Blades re-sign? Or are you predicting he re-signs?
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
That's good news, I like Blades.
Most of been lost in the shuffle when I was at the Greenbrier this weekend. Sorry I missed that.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
It wasn't a pro-am, it was a PGA Tour event. But thanks for asking, we had a great time.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I believe in karma and have been waiting for Henson to get cut the day he tweeted to all Skins fans to go back to work at McDonalds last year
"If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net." - Brooks Laich
"...I got the most gentlemanly player in juniors my last year. I'm a gentleman, always a gentleman." - Matt Bradley
Never forgive a guy for one mistake.
give me a break.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I just want to confess
I have an undying man-crush on Lorenzo Alexander. The guy has played O line, D line, OLB, ST, and now ILB. He never complains. He is the anti-Haynesworth. He is a freak athlete for a 272 pounder, and he hits like a truck. His pass coverage leaves something to be desired, but what else could we expect?
I also love London…the guy’s perennially underrated and has the longevity of Jerry Rice at MLB. He’s amazing.
I have big hopes for Riley. He’ll needy live up to them, because the rest of this group has me thinking we are pretty damn thin at ILB.
You left off Bennie’s boy.
Who's Bennie's boy?
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
H.B. Blades
son of Pro Bowl cornerback Bennie Blades. C’mon, son!
Sorry I get hit in the head playing softball last night, I've been a little out of it, going to see the doctor today.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
*got
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Seriously?
I almost want to talk junk about a softball injury, but head injuries are no joke. Plus, I’m still suffering from a shoulder injury suffered two years ago in a coed flag football game. Take care.
I'm pretty sure making fun of a softball injury is fair game.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Never heard that before, thanks Diesel.
We’re beating NC State Week 1, you heard it here first.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I'm going to copyright it then.
Really surprised you’ve never heard that before.
@Callahan_9 on the twitter machine.
I've only used out once to pique you
But Diesal using it insures it’s out of the lexicon. I guess from now on, I have to use one that I meant to only use against the Cowboys….. “Jerry’s kids”.
No Danny, Nooooooo - Tom Landry, 1982., and Washington Redskins fans, 1999-
by BillWard on Aug 2, 2011 6:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Think what you want.
And i know this is the NFL. and he was in the Big South. But he was a beast for Liberty the whole time there. Basically always the best guy on the field.
Fear the Turtle!
by HailToTheRedskins on Aug 3, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
is
Tatupa confirmed for a visit tomorrow
by alldat070 on Aug 1, 2011 11:20 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Not sure, I know it's definitely this week.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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Yes.
Try to look around in the future, there is a FanPost to the right of your screen that specifically says he’s coming here.
Fletcher as one starter...(duh)
I think Riley will be the other…
Unless they sign an outside guy like Tatupu or Crowder, in which case Riley moves down a notch.
LoAx is a lock for a spot
Right now, Blades would have to be the front runner for the last spot, but it would be awesome if Henson or one of the UDFA’s can show that they deserve a spot. Henson has a lot to prove, though.
A Redskin Potato
I kept seeing Crowder pop up, like I said I've been in the mountains and missed some stuff.
Crowder seems like a gamer and a must-have
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
He got released on Friday.
not sure if there’s anything linking him with the Skins other than chatter on here. I’m all for it.
how
Do you feel if we signed Tatupa
by alldat070 on Aug 1, 2011 11:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
My reaction would be "mehhh..."
Some Skins fans will get hyped b/c of the name, but he has definitely declined recently. I may be more inclined to give our youth a shot. But his name is cool.
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
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Meh is about right
My west coast sources don’t seem to think he is that good. The fact that the ‘Skins are bringing him in for visit means there’s a decent chance he will wind up on the team.
I think Crowder is a better player, but guys who say stupid stuff to the media always make me a bit wary.
If either are signed here, I’d be good with that. I like what we’ve done so far, so I’ll trust Shanny’s judgement.
A Redskin Potato
by Mr PotatoHead on Aug 2, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
You can't be serious with this nonsense.
You think Crowder is a better addition than Tatupu would be?? You’re delusional. Tatupu is a 3 time pro-bowler that has controlled the middle of seattle for a number of years now, had an injury after 5 games in 2009 which if didn’t happen he was on pace to have a career year, and than had a solid 2010 after a season ending injury. He’s only 28 with plenty of years left in him. His first 6 years compared to london fletcher’s first 6 years
= 410 Tackle, 141 Assist, 8.5 Sack, 10 INTs, 40 Pass Defend, 7FF, 2FR
Fletcher = 469 Tackle, 166 Assist, 18 Sack, 6 INTs, 12 Pass Defend, 7FF, 3FR
Fletcher gets injured less than Tatupu has… But Tatupu has had similar amounts of Tackles, and Assists even given the fact that he has 11 LESS games played than Fletcher did his first 6 years… and Tatupu is significantly better in Passes defended and INTs than Fletcher was in his first 6 years.
Crowder isn’t even in the same stratosphere in comparison. So please grow a braincell before posting.
by Skinsfan3643 on Aug 2, 2011 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Just because my opinion is different...
Doesn’t mean you have to be an insulting Asshole about it. Am I supposed to be impressed by your blog bullying? Believe me, I’m not.
The west coast people that I have asked have all said that he hasn’t been the same since his injury. Those sources have always been reliable, so I trust them. As I said, I will go with Shanny’s judgement. It has been good so far this offseason
A Redskin Potato
by Mr PotatoHead on Aug 2, 2011 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
And in case you didn't notice...
I’m not the only one on here who’s not overly excited about Tatupu.
A Redskin Potato
by Mr PotatoHead on Aug 2, 2011 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Note that this was the first comment by this guy.
I think it might BE Lofa Tatupu. Dun dun dunnnhhh!
yeeeeah ...
Simmah dahn nah!
(that’s Southern for “Calm your ass down”)
Looks more Boston to me
No Danny, Nooooooo - Tom Landry, 1982., and Washington Redskins fans, 1999-
by BillWard on Aug 2, 2011 6:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
a tad bit harsh
Dontcha think? Especially since he said he heard that Tatupu has declined since his injury, which is perfectly reasonable. Either way, remember that we’re all Skins fans here, so save the venom for the enemy.
I’m not taking sides on this argument, but I think its goofy to attack someone just because they dislike a certain player. This site is about us as fans being able to express our opinions.
by CJHutch on Aug 2, 2011 1:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yea, this is no place for personal attacks.
Especially when it is an opinion. And Tatupu is not the same player he was, and likely will never be. Comparisons to Fletch are not fair since Lofa was a flat out beast his first 3 years. Could have compared him to Ray Lewis. You can compare him to Rocky now, given his last 3 years. His intangibles are better, but not his play.
He is still a good player, just not a great player.
Probably won’t be great again due to numerous injuries. Seattle was paying him as a great player, and many of their fans still expected that greatness. He has great intangibles, just the physical nature of his play has beaten him up.
I would be ok if he came here on a bargain contract, but doubtful because he will be in demand, and most likely over-valued. His knees are now a question, and average to declining play is expected until he proves otherwise. If we were on the cusp, I would place a bet on him for intangibles more than anything.
All in all, I would rather just go with Riley/Henson at this point than Crowder or Tatupu for the upside potential, and to evaluate them going forward.
We can and should get our own stud next year in the draft in my opinion..
They were paying him his contract, which wasn't exorbinant.
I didn’t think it showed much class to cut him that way, for not taking a pay cut.
Owners complain a lot about players holding out for more pay when they think they have outearned their deal. All Tatupu wanted was what was in his contract. He was fulfilling his end, playing hard. Low class from Seattle, imo.
In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high.
Walden
by matthiasstephan on Aug 2, 2011 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree, that's been a problem in the NFL forever.
The only sport that does that. The players know what the deal is, that’s why they want the signing bonuses and guaranteed money up front. Because they know that most times they won’t see the end of their contract.
Over half of all NFL players are working for minimum contracts. They chew you up, and then spit you out. I don’t blame players for getting as much as they can when they can. They have a short shelf life.
I don’t fault Tatupu for leaving Seattle, nor do I disagree with him going to every city he can to get the biggest contract he can.
I also want to see our own guys battle it out.
There is youth at the position, and I would like to see what Riley can do. I also am a believer in Henson, and think he makes the team and battles for a starting spot. The injuries are concerning tho. Blades appears to be no more than a back-up and special teamer. Alexander, like you said, has the versatility that sticks.
I am comfortable with that group fighting for one spot, and backing up. Different story next year if Fletch is done.
My main reason...
that I like the idea of bringing in a FA ILB is that Fletcher will be retiring soon. I’m not sure I like the young guys enough to trust them with BOTH of the ILB jobs within the next year or two. I think having another veteran would give us more security for next year.
A Redskin Potato
by Mr PotatoHead on Aug 2, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
But I'm not gonna freak out if we don't sign anybody
A Redskin Potato
by Mr PotatoHead on Aug 2, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Makes sense, and I agree to a point.
If we were close to serious contention, then go with a proven vet. But where we are at in the rebuilding process, I think it is better to evaluate what we have currently.
I agree with you tho, I don’t think we have the talent in-house to fill both inside spots. Hopefully one takes the spot outright, and the others provide adequate depth.
Along with quarterback and O-line, we need to address Fletcher’s replacement in the draft next year. We need a stud there. My opinion only.
Here's the thing....
Fletch is likely hanging them up after this year. It makes more sense then trying to negotiate a new contract when you will be 37 the next season.
I agree at least one of Riley or Henson (I think Riley, but doubtful on Henson) will turn into a quality starter in this league. Right now we have 1 open ILB spot, but in another year, we are going to have a second.
Sure we could try and find a quick plug when that time comes, but the alternative is that we could sign someone like Tatupu now, have Tatupu and Fletcher start together, while Riley continues as an understudy for one more year, and then have Riley take Fletch’s position after that.
this is the best idea...
Listen, if Riley is ready, so be it. But we all know what Tatupu can do. Yes, he has had some injuries. This is the NFL. He is still under 30 who has incredible instincts. I peticularly like his coverage skills, as his 10 career Ints. and 40 pdf. reflect.
Let Alx do what he has done best his whole career – incredible special teams, versitale backup, great teamate.
Fletcher has pass coverage skills. Riley demonstrated some last preseason, but it needs to be seen and developed
in regular season games. For some reason Henson has been on the PUP list, probably his knee.
by Jefferson1935 on Aug 2, 2011 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Grant Paulsen said Riley has the ILB and his job to lose at camp. His agility will be very welcome vs Rocky.
"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made." -Groucho Marx
Hogs Haven. On Twitter..
I like this as well
Its good the young blood is getting reps.
still a FA
"The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made." -Groucho Marx
Hogs Haven. On Twitter..
I'd like to have him back
I don’t see anyone else on this roster that’ll do a better job. Riley is the only guy I’d want to start over him not henson, not blades no LoAx.
Don't really get
the love affair with Lorenzo Alexander. He’s nothing more than a special teams guy IMO. Will he ever be a legit starter at LB? Riley & Henson should hold the inside down nicely this season.
by el freako on Aug 2, 2011 8:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
LoAx is the team swiss army knife
He is decent at a large number of positions but doesnt excel at any except nearly killing people on special teams. He is what the team needs. He is selfless and will go anywhere the team needs him to to make the team better.
Really? What's not to like?
it could be argued that he’s among the most versatile players in the NFL. He has played Offensive Guard, Tight End, Fullback, Defensive Tackle, Defensive End, Outside Linebacker, Special Teams, and now probably Inside Linebacker. He does whatever is asked of him for the benefit of the team, reinventing himself every year. I understand he’s not a Pro Bowler at any of these positions. I could understand having issues with LoAx, AKA the One Man Gang, if he were getting $5 million per year, but he’s not. I think he’s getting $650 k this year. So again I ask you, what’s not to like? He’s a one man depth machine.
Cap Space?
Anybody know how much cap room we have left? Hopefully we won’t be maneuvering in tight quarters next year if we want to make some moves to put us over the top.
Not sure who I want beside Fletch at inside backer.
Honestly we just haven’t seen enough of Riley or henson to know how good or bad they are.
"That's what she said!"
I'm comfortable letting our current players fight it out
let’s see if we have a diamond in the rough.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Didn't say I don't like LoAx
It’s just that I need a LB to make plays: tackles for loss, passes defensed, sacks, QB pressures, forced fumbles etc. He frankly doesn’t rate highly in any of those categories. No shame in being THE man on teams though.
by el freako on Aug 2, 2011 9:58 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Then you DO understand the love affair.
you don’t have to be Peyton, Sweetness, LT, or Jordan to be loved. Put it this way, my favorite NBA player growing up was Charles Oakley. I haven’t heard anyone clamoring for LoAx to start.
Our 2nd Starting Inside Linebacker is not on the team yet
We tried to sign Nick Barnett but he took Buffalo’s money instead.
We have Tatupu in this week.
HB Blades is one of the worst players on the team...
And will not be on the roster at the start of the regular season. I hope Henson and Riley is the future at ILB. Blades was suppose to excel since he was a Fletcher clone (in terms of body size) but he sucks at everything. Henson on the other hand was our best defensive player last preseason. I think you keep Alexander in there, but i’m not viewing him at a ILB player. He gets a spot because he can do a little bit of everything.
I never was a HB Blades fan
either only b/c Gibbs drafted him, I was content. However I was surprised that he did stay though!
lofa tutpu
Redskins need to sign lofa tutpu to go with london then we would have good depth at the ILB postion.
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